be in a league of one's own
/biː ɪn ə liːɡ ɒv wʌnz oʊn/
Meaning
This phrase is used to describe someone or something that is vastly superior to others in the same category. It implies that the person's skills, talent, or quality are so high that they cannot be compared to their competitors. The tone is highly complimentary and admiring.
Examples
-
When it comes to special effects, this director is in a league of her own.
When it comes to special effects, this director is in a league of her own.
-
The young gymnast's performance showed she is in a league of her own.
The young gymnast's performance showed she is in a league of her own.
-
As an actor, his ability to switch between comedy and tragedy puts him in a league of his own.
As an actor, his ability to switch between comedy and tragedy puts him in a league of his own.
-
That classic rock band is in a league of its own; no modern group can match their energy.
That classic rock band is in a league of its own; no modern group can match their energy.
-
Her storytelling skills are in a league of their own, keeping readers hooked until the very last page.
Her storytelling skills are in a league of their own, keeping readers hooked until the very last page.
Common Mistakes
-
✗ He is in his own league.
✓ He is in a league of his own.
While understandable, the standard idiomatic phrasing is in a league of one's own (using of his own rather than his own league).
-
✗ She is in a league of her.
✓ She is in a league of her own.
You must include own at the end of the phrase to complete the idiom.
Related Expressions
Practice
-
With three Olympic gold medals at just nineteen, she is truly ___.
💡 has no equal
Show answer
in a league of her own
-
When it comes to writing catchy pop hooks, that producer is ___.
💡 unmatched by others
Show answer
in a league of his own